http://www.news-leader.com/article/20100712/NEWS01/7120358/Pythian-Castle-now-certified-as-an-official-haunted-site

Pythian Castle now certified as an official haunted site

Pythian Castle is a certified haunted location, owner Tamara Finocchiaro said.

"You have (paranormal) experiences," Finocchiaro said. "Then you get some professionals to come in and see if they have (paranormal) experiences. Once they seem like they get something that's reputable or verifiable, then they certify you."

Paranormal experiences at the castle include strange sounds, voices, cold spots and images, said Tim Piland, who gives tours there. He has spent several nights at the castle.

Many professionals have visited Pythian Castle over the years and confirmed hauntings, he said.

The entities at the castle are more active when there are people around, Finocchiaro said.

"They react to the people," she said. "I think they're bored when there's no one around. There's no one to play with."

There are multiple entities haunting the castle, Finocchiaro said, such as children from its days as an orphanage and men from its military days.

The ghosts are not malevolent, she said, but they are protective of the castle and can be mischievous toward those who disrespect their home.

One of the castle's well known ghosts is "Jeff," whom Finocchiaro said will respond to visitors who disturb him.

Piland said he had an interesting encounter with Jeff when a group of visitors called for him during a tour.

"They were like 'Come on out, Jeff! Show yourself!' " Piland said. "Hand to God, if there weren't six other people in the room, I'd think I was crazy. All of their cameras went dead."

The Pythian Castle has been undergoing renovations for the past few years, but it is scheduled to reopen this summer, Finocchiaro said.

-- Sarah Bennett